Written By: Mark Neff, President & CEO of Forsyth Humane Society
As we move through the post-pandemic era, animal welfare agencies face unprecedented challenges in our mission to protect and care for animals. Today, I want to share some of these challenges, the impact on teams, and the importance of support in these trying times.
Unprecedented Increase in Animal Intakes, Decreased Adoptions
We are witnessing an alarming increase in animal intakes and a decrease in adoption rates, creating a scenario that strains resources and impacts the quality of care that agencies can provide. This shift is mainly due to economic changes, access to pet-friendly housing, and affordable veterinary care that have emerged since the pandemic.
The Emotional Toll: Addressing Mental Health Concerns
The emotional burden borne by staff is a significant concern. Daily, they face situations that can lead to heightened levels of stress, leading to higher incidents of depression and other mental health issues. This reality highlights the need for robust support systems and mental health resources to support our team’s well-being.
Rethinking the “Do More, Be Better” Mantra
The standard narrative urging animal shelters to “do more” and “be better” needs reconsideration. While the intention is to encourage better care for animals, this mantra can inadvertently lead to adverse outcomes. Overcrowding in shelters, a direct result of trying to do more, not only stresses resources but also negatively impacts the animals themselves. It can lead to increased stress and health issues among the animals, which is counterproductive to the mission of providing them with the best possible care.
Overpopulation and Its Impacts
Managing overpopulation in shelters is a complex issue. Simply taking in more animals without considering the capacity for quality care can lead to diminished animal welfare and increased stress on our staff. A more sustainable approach is needed, one that balances animal intake with the ability to provide high-quality care.
Addressing Staffing Shortages
Another critical issue faced is staffing shortages. The pandemic has exacerbated this problem, making it more challenging to maintain a team capable of providing the level of care needed. This shortage not only puts additional pressure on existing staff but also affects our shelter’s overall operation and effectiveness.
The Need for Community and National Support
Now, more than ever, we rely on the support of community and national organizations. Whether through donations, grants, volunteering, or advocacy, your involvement is essential in helping organizations overcome these challenges and continue the vital work.
Innovative Approaches in a Changing Landscape
The changing landscape of animal welfare demands innovative and adaptive approaches. We are exploring new strategies, such as enhancing foster care networks and investing in behavioral rehabilitation offerings, to improve operations and the animals’ welfare.
Prioritizing Mental Health in Animal Welfare
The mental health and well-being of staff are paramount. We must be committed to developing programs that support their mental health, recognizing the crucial role they play in our missions.
A Call to Collaborate and Support
We encourage collaboration and support from our community and partners. Your participation in the mission is invaluable and deeply appreciated.
Join Us in Our Mission
We invite you to join us as we adapt to these challenges. Together, we can ensure a future where every animal is cared for and staff are supported and valued. Your support makes a significant difference.
